By: Jon Hanlon
Fertility studies are the current darlings of Chinese medical research, with investigation after investigation showing that acupuncture has a positive effect on fecundity. So what’s the theory behind it?
For both men and women, the kidneys provide the energy needed for reproduction and the liver regulates energy and blood flow to the reproductive organs. Treatment will always involve balancing these two organs’ functions as well as any other imbalances that are contributing to fertility problems.
For women, I focus on regulating the menstrual cycle, increasing blood flow to the ovaries and uterus and stimulating ovulation. Research has shown that acupuncture has a positive effect on the ripening of follicles into eggs and thus a better chance of fertilization; it has also revealed improvement in thickness and blood flow of the uterine lining, and therefore a better chance of the embryo successfully implanting and growing.
For men, the issues can be divided into two main areas: semen and erections. More than 10 studies have shown that acupuncture raises sperm quality by improving the shape and swimming ability of spermatozoa, making them more likely to reach the egg and fertilize it. If impotence is preventing intercourse, acupuncture can be used to combat this as well.
If a couple has no obvious fertility problems and the female partner has a regular period and is under 35 years old, then there’s no reason for concern in the first year of trying to conceive. If she is over 35, then give it 6 months. If she is over 40, or if there are known fertility problems, then come straight away to start treatment. Likewise, anyone going down the assisted reproduction/IVF path should start acupuncture immediately. Western and Chinese approaches work very well together, and much of the scientific research done has demonstrated this fact.
As with most TCM, what you do at home is important to success. Both partners should stop smoking, limit alcohol, get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight. Women should have zero or very little caffeine. Men should avoid hot baths, spas and cycling in order prevent overheating the testes. Most importantly, couples must have intercourse often.
I know it sounds silly, but I have had patients coming to me for aid who were copulating only once during the fertile time in the woman’s cycle. I cannot work miracles, and I certainly don’t offer any ‘special’ services. I can help optimize your chances, but you must put in the dirty work if you want to fall pregnant.
// Jon Hanlon is a Chinese medical practitioner, raised in the US, trained in Australia, now healing the sick in Guangzhou. You can contact him for a booking on 185 0202 5594 or jon@guangzhouacupuncture.com.
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